The Polar Express Train Ride

The Polar Express Train Ride is a tourist event that is held annually at heritage railroads during the Christmas season since 2004, the year The Polar Express film was released. They are mostly held in the United States, though a few railways in Canada and the United Kingdom also hold these events.

Contents

Description

Events involve a train, which consist of the railroad's passenger cars and one of their locomotives, often a steam-powered one, representing the Polar Express. The train might be decorated in Christmas decorations and have the words "Polar Express" painted on the sides of the coaches or the tender specifically for the event.

The train takes passengers on a journey, usually an hour long, from one part of the railroad to another which represents the North Pole. During the journey, passengers can listen to songs and music from the film and be served refreshments, mainly hot chocolate and cookies. Cast members can be seen playing as characters from the film, including the Conductor, the Pastry Chefs, Smokey and Steamer, the Hobo, and Hero Boy. They mostly do dance performances and read The Polar Express book to the passengers.

When the train arrives at the North Pole, the passengers can meet Santa Claus and the children each receive their own silver bell as the first gift of Christmas. Sometimes, however, Santa is riding the train with the passengers. After that, the passengers get back on board and the train makes its return journey.

Trivia

Visitors are often encouraged to come in their pajamas.

The tickets for the trip might resemble the tickets seen in the film. The Conductor sometimes actually punches words and letters out of them.